Oil Question?????

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Oct 7, 2005 | 01:06 AM

Haji4

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Oil Question?????

I started to have trouble starting my bike when I changed my oil. I have a new Battery, new voltage regulator, new wiring, new starter ( the old one tested fine). Could my oil be too Thick? I dont know what else to check. I can start it if I put it in 2nd gear and walk with it with the clutch out and by hitting the starter. I am lost and I have my mechanic baffeled. Any help or words of wisdom is greatly appreciated. It's an "89" 1200 stock Sportster.

Thanks

Haji4 ( aka Penny)

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Oct 7, 2005 | 02:05 AM

HDWRENCH

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From: Fort Worth TX

RE: Oil Question?????

OK let me get this straight your bike was fine then you changed the oil and now it does what?? No crank, slow crank, click?? I have seen too much oil put in and the crank case is full as well??? I need more info to help you. Thanks

Oct 7, 2005 | 04:34 AM

Haji4

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RE: Oil Question?????

OK It now sounds like the starter does not have enough to start the engine. The starter sounds like it is in slow motion and then it qiuts.The battery is new and charged. This has been a puzzle for many here. I am going nuts over this. I am tired of push starting it. When you run it for about 1 hour it gets a little easier and will start about 50% of the time, and some days it is push start only. I am beginning ti think I need an exorcist. I will be at my local Dealer next week and maybe someone there will think of something.

Penny[:@]

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Oct 7, 2005 | 01:46 PM

Kevyn

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RE: Oil Question?????

Alright, I'll bite...what weight oil are you using? How much oil did you put in the tank? Did you check the oil level when the motor was cold after you filled the tank? Where was the oil level on the dipstick? Have you checked the oil level with the motor hot? What was that oil level on the dipstick?

Have you cleaned all the connectors on the battery, the starter, the ground strap? The ground strap should be making contact with unpainted metal on the frame. The connectors should all be clean with no oil, 'fuzz/corrosion' or grime. Use some steel wool to clean all the connectors, washers and contacts, dab a small coating of dielectric grease on all the pieces and reassemble. Often, the 'nut' on the starter post will back off and cause some starting problems; make sure that connection is clean and the nut is holding the connector tight.

Are you using a battery tender? Do you have a voltage meter to test the voltage level on the battery? Despite having a new battery, there may be a problem with the battery; a voltage reading below 12.0 could point to a weak cell.

There could be a bad connection at the regulator causing the problem; could be a problem with the starter button...

This is one of those problems that could be any number of items but I like to go after the obvious and easy stuff first...

Oct 7, 2005 | 03:28 PM

Haji4

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RE: Oil Question?????

I am using straight 60 wt which my sone to be brother in law uses in his old shovel and sporty. I was running 20w50 before. All of the battery cables and wiring are new and all connections have been checked. The oil in the tank cold is 2 1/2 quarts, it doesent want more than that. I have not checked it hot. I have not been riding much because it is to much work to start it. I will check it hot on Sunday as I have an LOH ride to go on. The volt and amp meter says everything is fine. Yes I do use a battey tender because the weather here is cooling down and that seems to zap batteries. I guess we should check the switch before we hire an exorcist. I am going to change the oil again and see if I run some 10w40 if things improve. I am going to change to a full sythetic.

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Oct 7, 2005 | 08:09 PM

pococj

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Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?

RE: Oil Question?????

Get rid of that 60 weight stuff. Unless your motor is shot and you're trying to squeeze a few more miles outta it, go with the 20w-50. It'll sure start easier!

Oct 7, 2005 | 09:10 PM

McSporster

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RE: Oil Question?????

I've gotta believe that the 60wt oil is the primary problem. As already suggested, drain it right away and go back to 20w50 -- that may just "simply" solve the problem. Please keep us posted.